Cefizox® (ceftizoxime for injection, USP) is generally well tolerated.

The most frequent adverse reactions (greater than 1 % but less than 5%) are:
Hypersensitivity: Rash, pruritus, fever.
Hepatic: Transient elevation in AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase.
Hematologic: Transienteosinophilia, thrombocytosis. Some individuals have developed a positive Coombs test.
Local†Injection site: Burning, cellulitis, phlebitis with IV administration, pain, induration, tenderness, paresthesia.

The less frequent adverse reactions (less than 1%) are:
Hypersensitivity: Numbness and anaphylaxis have been reported rarely.
Hepatic: Elevation of bilirubin has been reported rarely.
Renal: Transient elevations of BUN and creatinine have been occasionally observed with Cefizox (ceftizoxime) .
Hematologic: Anemia, including hemolytic anemia with occasional fatal outcome, leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia have been reported rarely.
Urogenital: Vaginitis has occurred rarely.
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea; nausea and vomiting have been reported occasionally.
Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis can appear during or after antibiotic treatment (see WARNINGS).

In addition to the adverse reactions listed above which have been observed in patients treated with ceftizoxime, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin-class antibiotics:

Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, serum-sickness like reaction, toxic nephropathy, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, prolonged prothrombin. Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment, when the dosage was not reduced. (See DOSAGE ANDADMINISTRATION.) If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued.

Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.
 

Read the Cefizox (ceftizoxime) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

Although the occurrence has not been reported with Cefizox (ceftizoxime) , nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of other cephalosporins and aminoglycosides.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.